What is your teaching philosophy?

I believe that learning is a two way process and that the teacher needs to connect with the student on a deeper level than just spitting out information. I teach by connecting with my students letting them know that everything is going to be okay and figuring out a way to tackle the material so that they retain the information.

What might you do in a typical first session with a student?

A typical first session for me starts with a basic "get to know you" session. Once we know a little more about each other, we then move into figuring out what the direct concerns and struggles are along with the best way to tackle these. Time pending, which there will more than likely be enough, we will start reviewing material.

How can you help a student become an independent learner?

I will help a student become an independent learner by giving them the study strategies and habitats that they will be able to use without the use of a tutor.

How would you help a student stay motivated?

Focusing on the positives. I believe that negative reinforcement in the academic setting is counterproductive and that the study strategies and tools I will give them will keep them happy with their grades and wanting the A's to stay there!

If a student has difficulty learning a skill or concept, what would you do?

Take that section a little slower until they master the skill or concept. I would do this through little tricks and ways to help them remember difficult material.

What strategies have you found to be most successful when you start to work with a student?

Calming them down, letting them know that everything is going to be okay if they're stressed and start approaching their academic difficulties to make them more comfortable to instill confidence in the student that will lead them to an A!

How would you help a student get excited/engaged with a subject that they are struggling in?

Giving them "the tricks of the trade" and applying the information to real life situations so that they know that there is a reason behind why they should know the subject matter.

What types of materials do you typically use during a tutoring session?

Textbooks, questions, the student’s homework, learning worksheets that I have, short videos to help the student understand conceptually--anything that the student needs and I have access to.

What techniques would you use to be sure that a student understands the material?

Slowly making sure that they get material and stopping and answering any questions that they have on the way, without giving to much information to confuse them.

How do you build a student's confidence in a subject?

Giving them the ability to answer any question that is thrown at them. For me, academic confidence comes from knowledge of the material.

How do you evaluate a student's needs?

By evaluating the student throughout each tutoring session on every step of the process and getting them to the point where, by the end of the session, they can teach the material to their friends. This is done by random questions throughout the session about material we've already covered or by the completion of worksheets. If there is an issue it will be fixed right then and there.

How do you adapt your tutoring to the student's needs?

In many different ways. I am a very personable person that can relate to anybody to make them feel comfortable. I have also been exposed to many different teaching styles and can apply which ever one or many that works best for the student.